Safeguarding Specialist

Y Safeguarding is seeking a dedicated Safeguarding Specialist to join our team and play a pivotal role in realizing our vision of creating safe environments for all.

About Us

The Y in Australia (formerly the ‘YMCA’) is a social enterprise, operating in more than 680 communities with 11,500+ employees and over 16 million visits to our programs and facilities in the past year. Drawing from our vast national footprint and 170+ years of deep connections with our local communities, Y Safeguarding is focused on realising the vision where every child and young person feels empowered to thrive safely within the Y, their families and communities.

Across our federated setting, the Y provides a broad range of services that support children and young people throughout the course of their lives – from childcare, outside school care, and youth development programs, to disability services, access schools, meaningful career pathways and community recreation services. We also offer a wide range of programs for marginalised, disadvantaged and at-risk, young people.

Position Purpose

The Safeguarding Specialist will lead the implementation of our national safeguarding strategy and operations plan, working under the direction of the Y Safeguarding Executive Director. They will be responsible for developing best practice policies, resources, and training to promote a strong safeguarding culture across Y organisations. Additionally, the Safeguarding Specialist will provide tailored support and advice to stakeholders, drive continuous improvement in safeguarding practices, and engage in advocacy efforts to promote a safeguarding culture within the Y Movement.

Key Responsibilities

Policy and Strategy:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Y's Safeguarding strategy and operational plan.
• Lead the development of national safeguarding policies and procedures in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Resource Development and Training:
• Design, develop, and distribute resources, guidance, and templates on key safeguarding issues.
• Create and deliver comprehensive training to support Member Y’s and Y Entities in safeguarding practices.

Member Support:

• Provide tailored support and advice to Member Y’s, Y Entities, and stakeholders on safeguarding matters.
• Assist Members in implementing the Y Safeguarding assurance framework.
• Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement:
• Advocate for a safeguarding culture across the Y Movement in all settings.
• Engage with key internal and external stakeholders to enhance safeguarding at the Y and across the sector.

Legislative Compliance:

• Maintain a strong understanding of federal, state and territory frameworks impacting safeguarding and ensure compliance across the Movement.

Communications:

• Contribute to developing and implementing a communications plan for Y Safeguarding.
• Prepare detailed reports for CEOs and Y Safeguarding Board on safeguarding initiatives.

Research and Development:

• Identify and oversee research projects to advance safeguarding practice.
• Participate in innovation projects to advance safeguarding practice at the Y and beyond.

Skills and Experience:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a safeguarding or similar role.
• Experience in policy development, training delivery, and risk assessment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Graduate qualification in social work, psychology, or related field.
• National Police Clearance and Working with Children Check/Blue Card required.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Cert IV in Training and Assessment.
• Project management qualification.

If you are committed to creating safe environments for children and young people and have the skills and experience, we are looking for, we want to hear from you.

We embrace diversity and difference and are committed to building a respectful, inclusive, flexible, and intergenerational board and workplace. We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, people with disability, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

For further information about this role please see the position description here: https://bit.ly/SafeguardingSpecialist-PositionDescription.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to ***********@the-y.org.au or reach out to 0411 291 *** for any questions about the role. All applications need to be in before 5pm on Sunday 21 April 2024.

A key part of our application process is our safeguarding screening. We are committed to empowering all children and young people to feel safe and be safe, at the Y, in their families and in their communities. All candidates are appropriately screened (including police checks and WWCC) to make sure that the right people are in the right roles. To learn more about our Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and screening processes, copy and paste: www.ymca.org.au/about-us/safeguarding-children-young-people/.